Lighting apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes: a control module supplying power; a heat sink receiving the control module; a light source mounted on the heat sink and connected to the control module; and a communication module including a connection terminal inserted into the heat sink and connected to the control module, and an antenna device protruding from the heat sink. Since the lighting apparatus can be controlled in a wireless scheme, a user of the lighting apparatus can easily control the lighting apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/948,875, filed Jul. 23, 2013, which claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. §119 of Korean Patent Application No 10-2012-0079877, filed Jul.23, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The embodiment relates to a lighting apparatus.

In general, various types of lighting apparatuses such asceiling-mounting type lamps, scenery lighting lamps, sleeping lamps, andstand lamps exist according to purposes thereof. The lightingapparatuses must irradiate light with sufficient luminance levelaccording to purposes. Accordingly, recently, a light emitting diode(LED) has been used for a lighting apparatus. In comparison with otherlight sources such as a fluorescent lamp and an incandescent lamp, theLED is advantageous because of low power consumption, a long lifetime, afast response time, safety, and environment-friendliness. Accordingly,many studies and researches to replace the existing light sources withthe light emitting diode have been carried out.

However, the above lighting apparatuses are tuned-on/off by a switchconnected to the lighting apparatuses through a cable. Accordingly, auser of the lighting apparatus must inconveniently control the lightingapparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An embodiment provides a lighting apparatus which can be easilycontrolled.

According to the embodiment, there is provided a lighting apparatusincluding: a control module supplying power; a heat sink receiving thecontrol module; a light source mounted on the heat sink, and connectedto the control module; and a communication module including a connectionterminal inserted into the heat sink and connected to the controlmodule, and an antenna device protruding from the heat sink.

According to another embodiment, there is provided lighting apparatusincluding: a control module supplying power; a heat sink receiving thecontrol module; a light source mounted on the heat sink to emit lightaccording to the power; and a communication module receiving a signalfor controlling the control module, wherein the communication moduleincludes: a substrate; a connection terminal disposed on the substrate,inserted into the heat sink, and connected to the control module; and anantenna device disposed on the substrate and protruding from the heatsink to be spaced apart from the heat sink.

The lighting apparatus according to the embodiment has a wirelesscommunication function. In this case, the lighting apparatus may receivea wireless control signal through the communication module. Further, thelighting apparatus may control the light source according to thewireless control signal. Accordingly, the lighting apparatus can becontrolled in a wireless scheme. That is, a user of the lightingapparatus can easily control the lighting apparatus. Accordingly, theconvenience for a user of the lighting apparatus can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a lighting apparatusaccording to the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of thelighting apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a communicationmodule shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with referenceto accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the samecomponents will be assigned with the same reference numerals. In adescription of the embodiment, if the function or the structure relatedto the disclosure and generally known to those skilled in the art makethe subject matter of the disclosure unclear, the details of thefunction or the structure will be omitted.

In the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that, wheneach element is referred to as being “on” or “under” another element, itcan be “directly” or “indirectly” on or under another element or theother constituent elements may also be present. Such a position of theelements has been described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a lighting apparatusaccording to the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating acoupling structure of the lighting apparatus according to theembodiment, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating acommunication module shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a sectional viewtaken along line A-A′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the lighting apparatus 100 according to theembodiment includes a light source 110, a light source coupling part120, a light distribution cover 130, a control module 140, a housing150, a shield cover 160, a feeding cover 170, a heat sink 180, and acommunication module 190.

The light source 110 generates light. In this case, the light source 110may include an LED. The light source 110 includes a feeding device 111,a plurality of feeding wires 113, a plurality of base substrates 115,and a plurality of LEDs 117.

The feeding device 111 supplies power to the light source 110. Thefeeding device 111 may include a printed circuit board (PCB).

The feeding wires 113 connect the feeding device 111 to the basesubstrates 115. In this case, the feeding wires 113 may directly connectthe feeding device 111 to the base substrates 115, respectively. Thefeeding wires 113 may connect the feeding device 111 to some of the basesubstrates 115, and may connect the base substrates 115 to each other.Further, the feeding wires 113 transfer the power from the feedingdevice 111 to the base substrates 115.

The base substrates 115 control driving of the light source 110. In thiscase, the base substrates 115 apply the power from the feeding device111 to the LEDs. The base substrates 115 may include a PCB.

The LEDs 117 are mounted on the base substrates 115. In this case, theLEDs 117 may be mounted on each of the base substrates 115. Further, theLEDs 117 emit the light according to the power from the base substrates115. That is, the LEDs 117 output the light.

The light source coupling unit 120 is coupled with the light source 110to fix the light source 110. In this case, at least one first couplinghole 121 and at least one second coupling hole 123 are formed in thelight source coupling unit 120. The first coupling holes 121 receive thebase substrates 115, respectively. The light source coupling part 120fixes the base substrates 115 and the LEDs 117 at positions of the firstcoupling holes 121, respectively. Further, the light coupling part 120exposes the LEDs 117 through the first coupling holes 121, respectively.In addition, the second coupling hole 123 receives the feeding device111 and the communication module 190. Moreover, the light sourcecoupling part 120 exposes the feeding device 111 and the communicationmodule 190 through the second coupling hole 123. The communicationmodule 190 extends through the second coupling hole 123. That is, thecommunication module 190 protrudes in both directions about the lightsource coupling part 120 through the second coupling hole 123. The lightsource coupling part 120 may include an insulator.

The light distribution cover 130 surrounds the light source 110 from thetop of the light source coupling part 120. The light distribution cover130 may have an open bulb shape. Further, the light distribution cover130 protects the light source 110, and discharges the light emitted fromthe light source 110. In this case, the light distribution cover 130distributes the light to a front surface or a rear surface of thelighting apparatus. The light distribution cover 130 may include atleast one of glass, plastic, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE).The light distribution cover 130 may include polycarbonate (PC) havinggood lightfast, heat resistant and impact characteristics. The lightdistribution cover 130 may include an inner surface on which pigment iscoated facing the light source 110. The pigment may include a diffusingagent to diffuse the light.

The control module 140 controls an overall operation of the lightingapparatus 100. In this case, although not shown, the control module 140may include a main substrate and a plurality of components. The mainsubstrate may include a PCB. The components are mounted on the mainsubstrate and are electrically connected to the main substrate. Thecomponents include a converter and a driver. The converter is connectedto an external power source through the main substrate. Further, theconverter converts AC power of the external power source into DC power.The driver controls driving of the light source 110.

In addition, the control module 140 supplies power to the light source110. The control module may include a power supply unit (PSU). In thiscase, the control module 140 may control the light source 110 accordingto a received wireless control signal. The control module 140 includes afeeding terminal 141 and a coupling terminal 143.

The feeding terminal 141 is connected to the light source 110. Thefeeding terminal 141 makes contact with the feeding device 111 of thelight source 110. In this case, the feeding terminal 141 protrudes fromthe control module 140. The feeding terminal 141 is coupled with themain substrate, and protrudes from the main substrate. Further, thefeeding terminal 141 faces the feeding device 111.

In addition, the feeding terminal 141 supplies power to the light source110. That is, the control module 140 supplies the power to the lightsource 110 through the feeding device 111. Further, the feeding terminal141 transmits a light source control signal for controlling the lightsource 110 to the light source 110. That is, the control module 140transfers the light source control signal to the light source 110through the feeding device 111.

The coupling terminal 143 is connected to the communication module 190.The coupling terminal 143 is coupled with the communication module 190.In this case, the coupling terminal 143 may protrude from the controlmodule 140. The coupling terminal 143 is coupled with the main substrateand protrudes from the main substrate. Further, the coupling terminal143 may receive the communication module 190. A coupling groove 145 maybe formed in the coupling terminal 143. The coupling groove 145 may facethe communication module 190. Moreover, the coupling groove 145 mayreceive the communication module 190.

In addition, the coupling terminal 143 supplies the power to thecommunication module 190. That is, the control module 140 supplies thepower to the communication module 190 through the coupling terminal 143.Further, the coupling terminal 143 receives a wireless control signalfor controlling the control module 140 from the communication module190. That is, the control module 140 receives the wireless controlsignal from the communication module 190 through the coupling terminal143.

The housing 150 receives the control module 140. A receiving hole 151 isformed in the housing 150. That is, the housing 150 receives the controlmodule 140 through the receiving hole 151. In this case, the housing 150may have a cylindrical shape. Further, the housing 150 may prevent anelectrical short between the control module 140 and the heat sink 180.The housing 150 may include a material having superior insulation anddurability. Further, the housing 150 may include a resin material.

In addition, the housing 150 includes a connection terminal 153. In thiscase, the housing 150 is locked with the external power source throughthe connection terminal 153. The connection terminal 153 may be lockedwith the external power source through a socket scheme. Further, theconnection terminal 153 may be connected to the external power source.That is, the connection terminal 153 may be electrically connected tothe external power source. Further, the connection terminal 153 mayelectrically connect the control module 140 to the external powersource. The connection terminal 153 may include a conductive material.

The shield cover 160 seals the housing 150. The shield cover 160 coversthe receiving hole 151 of the housing 150 from the top of the housing150. In this case, the shield cover 160 may prevent an electrical shortbetween the control module 140 and the heat sink 180. The shield cover160 may include a material having superior insulation and durability.Further, the shield cover 160 may include a resin material.

At least one through hole 161 is formed in the shield cover 160. Thethrough hole 161 is aligned on the same axis with the second couplinghole 123. Further, the through hole 161 receives the feeding terminal141 and the communication module 190. In this case, the feeding terminal141 and the communication module 190 extend through the through hole161. The shield cover 160 exposes the feeding terminal 141 and thecoupling terminal 143 through the through hole 161. That is, the throughhole 161 protrudes the feeding terminal 141 toward the feeding device111. Further, the through hole 161 protrudes the communication module190 toward the coupling terminal 143.

The feeding cover 170 seals the housing 150. The feeding cover 170covers a receiving hole of the housing 150 from the bottom of thehousing 150. Further, the feeding cover 170 makes contact with theexternal power source. In this case, the feeding cover 170 electricallyconnects the control module 140 to the external power source. Thefeeding cover 170 may include a conductive material.

The heat sink 180 receives the control module 140, the housing 150, andthe shield cover 160. A receiving groove (not shown) is formed in theheat sink 180. That is, the heat sink 180 receives the control module140, the housing 150, and the shield cover 160 through the receivinggroove. Further, the light source 110 is mounted on the heat sink 180.In addition, the heat sink 180 releases heat generated from the lightsource 110, and protects the control module 140 from the heat generatedfrom the light source 110. In this case, the heat sink 180 includes afirst heat sink 181 and a second heat sink 185.

The first heat sink 181 is disposed above the shield cover 160. Thefirst heat sink 181 is coupled with the light distribution cover 130. Inthis case, an outer peripheral portion of the first heat sink 181 iscoupled with the light distribution cover 130. Further, the light source110 and the light source coupling part 120 are mounted above the firstheat sink 181. The first heat sink 181 makes contact with the lightsource 110. In this case, the first heat sink 181 moves the heatgenerated from the light source 110 to the second heat sink 185. Thefirst heat sink 181 may have a circular shape or a plane shape.

At least one insertion hole 183 is formed in the first heat sink 181.The insertion hole 183 is aligned on the same axis with the secondcoupling hole 123 and the through hole 161. Further, the insertion hole183 receives the feeding terminal 141 and the communication module 190.In this case, the feeding terminal 141 and the communication module 190extend through the insertion hole 183. The first heat sink 181 exposesthe feeding terminal 141 and the coupling terminal 143 through theinsertion hole 183. That is, the insertion hole 183 protrudes thefeeding terminal 141 toward the feeding device 111. Further, theinsertion hole 183 protrudes the communication module 190 toward thecoupling terminal 143.

The second heat sink 185 surrounds the housing 150. In this case, thesecond heat sink 185 exposes the connection terminal 153. That is, thesecond heat sink 185 surrounds the housing 150 except for a region ofthe connection terminal 153. The second heat sink 185 may have acylindrical shape. The second heat sink 185 extends downward from thefirst heat sink 181. In this case, the second heat sink 185 releases theheat generated from the light source 110. A diameter of the second heatsink 185 may be gradually reduced downward along a central axis of thefirst heat sink 181.

Further, the second heat sink 185 includes a plurality of heat sinkfins. In this case, the second heat sink 185 includes the heat sink fins186 so that a surface area is increased. The heat sink fins 187 extenddownward from the first heat sink 181. In this case, the heat sink fins187 may be radially aligned about the central axis of the first heatsink 181. The heat sink fins 187 may protrude perpendicular to thecentral axis of the first heat sink 181.

The communication module 190 receives a wireless control signal forcontrolling the lighting apparatus 100. In this case, the communicationmodule 190 is connected to the control module 140. The communicationmodule 190 is spaced apart from the light source 110 across the lightsource coupling part 120, the heat sink 180, and the shield cover 160.In addition, the communication module 190 is coupled with the controlmodule 140. The communication module 190 includes a substrate 210, aconnection terminal 220, a ground part 230, an antenna device 240, and aprotective cover 250.

The substrate 210 is provided in the communication module 190 for thepurpose of support. In this case, the substrate 210 has a flat platestructure. The substrate 210 may include a PCB. Further, the substrate210 may include a dielectric substance. The substrate 210 includes aconnection region 211, a driving region 213, and an antenna region 215.

The connection region 211 is placed at one end of the substrate 210. Theconnection region 211 is opposed to the control module 140. In thiscase, the connection region 211 is opposed to the coupling terminal 143.The connection region 211 may be opposed to the coupling groove 145. Inaddition, the connection region 211 is inserted into the heat sink 180.In this case, the connection region is received in a receiving groove ofthe heat sink 180. Further, the connection region 211 is coupled withthe control module 140. In this case, the connection region 211 islocked with the coupling terminal 143. The connection region 211 may beinserted into the coupling groove 145.

The driving region 213 extends from the connection region 211. In thiscase, the driving region 213 is placed at a center of the substrate 210.The driving region 213 extends across the light source coupling part120, the heat sink 180, and the shield cover 160. The driving region 213is inserted into the heat sink 180. In this case, the driving region 213is received in the second coupling hole 123, the insertion hole 183, thethrough hole 161, and a receiving groove of the heat sink 180 which arealigned on the same axis.

Further, the driving region 213 includes a driving device (not shown).In this case, the driving device is embedded in the substrate 210, andis disposed in the driving region 213. The driving device extends fromthe driving region 213. In addition, one end of the driving deviceextends to the connection region 211, and another end of the drivingdevice extends to the antenna region 215.

The antenna region 215 is placed at the other end of the substrate 210.The antenna region 215 is placed in opposition to the connection region211 about the driving region 213. Further, the antenna region 215 isconnected to the connection region 211 through the driving region 213.The antenna region 215 protrudes from the heat sink 180. The antennaregion 215 is exposed from the heat sink 180. In this case, the antennaregion 215 is placed above the light coupling part 120. The antennaregion 215 may be spaced apart from the light source 110.

The connection terminal 220 serves as an interface for the controlmodule 140 in the communication module 190. The connection terminal 200is disposed at the connection region 211 of the substrate 210. In thiscase, the connection terminal 220 is connected to one end of the drivingdevice. Further, the connection terminal 220 is connected to the controlmodule 140. In this case, the connection terminal 220 is coupled withthe coupling terminal 143 together with the connection region 211 and isconnected to the coupling terminal 143. The connection terminal 220 maybe inserted into a coupling groove 145. Power is supplied to thecommunication module 190 through the connection terminal 220. That is,the power is supplied from the coupling terminal 143 to the connectionterminal 220.

The ground part 230 is provided in the communication module 190 for thepurpose of grounding. The ground part 230 is disposed at the connectionregion 211 of the substrate 210. In this case, the ground part 230 maybe spaced apart from the connection terminal 220. That is, the groundpart 230 may not make contact with the connection terminal 220.Moreover, the ground part 230 may be connected to one end of the drivingdevice.

The antenna device 240 of the communication module 190 performs awireless communication function. In this case, the antenna device 240resonates at a preset frequency band to transmit/receive anelectromagnetic wave. The antenna device 240 resonates at presetimpedance. In this case, the antenna device 240 is disposed at theantenna region 215 of the substrate 210. In this case, the antennadevice 240 is connected to another end of the driving device. That is,the antenna device 240 is connected to the connection terminal 220through the driving device. The antenna device 240 may be connected tothe ground part 230 through the driving device. One end of the antennadevice 240 is connected to the driving device and another end of theantenna device 240 is open.

In addition, the antenna device 240 protrudes from the heat sink 180.The antenna device 240 is disposed outside the heat sink 180. That is,the antenna device 240 is exposed from the heat sink 180 together withthe antenna region 215. Further, the antenna device 240 is spaced apartfrom the heat sink 180. A spacing distance d between the antenna device240 and the heat sink 180 may be approximately 1 mm or more. In thiscase, the antenna device 240 is placed above the light source couplingpart 120. The antenna device 240 may be spaced apart from the tightsource 110.

Further, the antenna device 240 is driven using power supplied from theconnection terminal 220. In this case, the antenna device 240 receives awireless control signal for controlling the control module 140. Inaddition, the antenna device 240 transmits the wireless control signalto the control module 140. In this case, the antenna device 240transmits the wireless control signal to the control module 140 throughthe connection terminal 220.

In this case, an antenna device 240 may be formed in a patch type andthen be attached to the antenna region 215. The antenna device 240 maybe drawn with a conductive ink so as to be disposed at the antennaregion 215. The antenna device 240 may be patterned at the antennaregion 215. The antenna device 240 may include at least one of a bartype antenna element, a meander type antenna element, a spiral typeantenna element, a step type antenna element, and a loop type antennaelement. In this case, the antenna device 240 may include a conductivematerial. The antenna device 240 may include at least one of silver(Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and nickel(Ni).

The protective cover 250 receives the substrate 210. In this case, theprotective cover 250 covers the substrate 210. The protective cover 250covers the driving region 213 and the antenna region 215, and exposesthe connection region 211. The protective cover 250 receives the antennadevice 240, and exposes the connection terminal 220. That is, theconnection terminal 220 protrudes from the protective cover 250. Theprotective cover 250 may include at least one of plastic, polypropylene(PP), polyethylene (PE), and polycarbonate (PC). The protective cover250 includes a first protective cover 251 and a second protective cover253.

The first protective cover 251 surrounds the driving region 213. Thefirst protective cover 251, together with the driving region 213,extends across the light source coupling part 120, the heat sink 180,and the shield cover 160. The protective cover 251 is inserted into theheat sink 180. In this case, the first protective cover 251 is receivedin the second coupling hole 123, the insertion hole 183, the throughhole 161, and a receiving groove of the heat sink 180 which are alignedon the same axis.

The second protective cover 253 receives the antenna region 215.Further, the second protective cover 253 receives the antenna device240. The second protective cover 253 extends from the first protectivecover 251. In this case, an insertion groove is formed in the secondprotective cover 253. That is, the second protective cover 253 receivesthe antenna device 240 together with the antenna region 215 through theinsertion groove.

In addition, the second protective cover 253 protrudes from the heatsink 180. The second protective cover 253 is exposed from the heat sink180. In this case, the antenna device 240 is spaced apart from the heatsink 180 by the second protective cover 253. The second protective cover253 is placed above the light source coupling part 120. In addition, thesecond protective cover 253 is locked with the heat sink 180. In thiscase, the second protective cover 253 has a size larger than a size ofthe insertion hole 183 so that the second protective cover 153 is notinserted into the heat sink 180.

According to the embodiment, the lighting apparatus 100 has a wirelesscommunication function. In this case, the lighting apparatus 100 mayreceive a wireless control signal through the communication module 190.Further, the lighting apparatus 100 may control the light source 110according to the wireless control signal. Accordingly, the lightingapparatus 100 can be controlled in a wireless scheme. That is, a user ofthe lighting apparatus 100 may easily control the lighting apparatus100. Accordingly, the convenience for a user of the lighting apparatus100 can be improved.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting apparatus comprising: a control modulesupplying power; a heat sink receiving the control module; a lightsource mounted on the heat sink and connected to the control module; anda communication module including a substrate on which an antenna deviceis disposed, wherein a connection terminal is provided on the substrate,wherein an insertion hole is formed in the heat sink and the substrateextends by passing through the insertion hole such that the connectionterminal is inserted into the heat sink and the antenna device protrudesfrom the heat sink, and wherein the control module comprises a couplingterminal to receive the connection terminal for connecting thecommunication module to the control module.
 2. The lighting apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the antenna device is spaced apart from the heat sink.3. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises: aconnection region on which the connection terminal is disposed; and anantenna region on which the antenna device is disposed.
 4. The lightingapparatus of claim 3, wherein the communication module further comprisesa driving device connecting the connection terminal to the antennadevice and driving the antenna device.
 5. The lighting apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the communication module further comprises a protectivecover covering the substrate to receive the antenna device, and exposingthe connection terminal.
 6. The lighting apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe substrate further comprises a ground part disposed at the connectionregion and spaced apart from the connection terminal while makingcontact with the antenna device through the driving device.
 7. Thelighting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the substrate further comprises adriving region interposed between the connection region and the antennaregion, the driving device being disposed on the driving region.
 8. Thelighting apparatus of claim 5, wherein the protective cover comprises: afirst protective cover inserted into the heat sink; and a secondprotective cover coupled with the heat sink and protruding from the heatsink.
 9. The lighting apparatus of claim 2, wherein a spacing distancebetween the heat sink and the antenna device is 1 mm or more.
 10. Thelighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control module furthercomprises a feeding terminal connected to the light source.
 11. Alighting apparatus comprising: a control module supplying power; a heatsink receiving the control module; a light source mounted on the heatsink to emit light according to the power; and a communication modulereceiving a signal for controlling the control module, wherein thecommunication module comprises: a substrate; a connection terminaldisposed on the substrate, inserted into the heat sink, and connected tothe control module; and an antenna device disposed on the substrate andprotruding from the heat sink to be spaced apart from the heat sink,wherein an insertion hole is formed in the heat sink and the substrateextends by passing through the insertion hole such that the connectionterminal is inserted into the heat sink and the antenna device protrudesfrom the heat sink, and wherein the control module comprises a couplingterminal to receive the connection terminal for connecting thecommunication module to the control module.
 12. The lighting apparatusof claim 11, wherein the communication module further comprises adriving device connecting the connection terminal to the antenna deviceand driving the antenna device.
 13. The lighting apparatus of claim 12,wherein the communication module further comprises a ground part spacedapart from the connection terminal, and making contact with the antennadevice through the driving device.
 14. The lighting apparatus of claim13, wherein the substrate comprises: a connection region on which theconnection terminal and the ground part are disposed; an antenna regionon which the antenna device is disposed; a driving region on which thedriving device is disposed between the connection region and the antennaregion.
 15. The lighting apparatus of claim 14, wherein thecommunication module comprises: a first protective cover surrounding thedriving region; and a second protective cover coupled with the heatsink, and protruding from the heat sink.
 16. The lighting apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the control module further comprises: a feedingterminal connected to the light source.